ANOTHER brick in the wall of a solid campaign to regain Perth’s city status is in place.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser has lodged a new motion in Scottish Parliament in support of the bid for official city status at the beginning of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.

The Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP explained he wanted to keep an already concerted campaign running in top gear ahead of a decision scheduled for later this year as to whether Perth would gain legal city status.

In his parliamentary motion, Mr Fraser said the Parliament welcomed Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and noted that anniversary celebrations included a UK-wide competition to award city status.

He said Parliament considered there was a strong momentum for Perth’s bid to have city status, including support from members of the public, local businesses, media and politicians.

The motion concluded by congratulating everyone involved in promoting Perth’s city status bid, stating a firm belief that success would not just benefit the ‘Fair City’ but Scotland itself.

“It is important that the momentum for Perth city status stays high throughout the year and I want MSPs across Scotland to get behind the Perth city status bid,” said Mr Fraser.

“Bids have come in from other potential cities from across the UK but here in Perth we will continue to show our political will and support for it to gain city status.

“It is clear to me that Perth should have official city status as Perth and the surrounding area is a distinctive area and 2012 is our chance to get it.

“Perth and the rest of Scotland will see benefits if Perth gets city status and Perth will become one of Scotland’s seven cities.”